Ludhiana-11-May(Bharatsandesh news):Dog is most favourite pet of human. It is important to understand that hot weather is very cautious period for dog owners. The most common warm weather hazards are heat stroke and dehydration. Dr K Dua Prof. Dept of Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University said that any dog exercising on a hot, humid day, even with plenty of water, can become overheated. One of the common situations of dogs becoming sick is because they are left in car in hot summer days. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven. Temperature can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes, even with partially opened windows. Despite the many warnings about this, each summer brings numerous accounts of dogs that become sick or even die of heat stroke because they were left in a car.
The dog’s normal body temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. When humans overheat we are able to sweat in order to cool down. However, your dog cannot sweat as easily; he must rely on panting to cool down. Dogs breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, directing the air over the mucous membranes of the tongue, throat and trachea to facilitate cooling by evaporation of fluid. The dog also dissipates heat by dilation of the blood vessels in the surface of the skin in the face, ears and feet. Unfortunately, panting is not enough when it is extremely hot and humid. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. If it rises to 105 or 106 degrees, the dog is at risk for developing heat exhaustion. Once the dog’s temperature reaches 106-107 °, damage to the body’s cellular system and organs may become irreversible. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage – or even death – can occur. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
To prevent heat stroke from happening, never leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Avoid vigorous exercise on warm days. When outside, opt for shady areas. Keep fresh cool water available at all times. Make sure you keep the water dish in a shady location and change the water frequently. Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat – especially obese dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs. Use extreme caution when these dogs are exposed to heat. Many dogs enjoy playing and lounging in the cool water. Providing them with tub or kiddies’ pool or running a sprinkler can be a good option. Keep an eye on your dog. Don’t leave him unattended. It’s important to always exercise common sense and proceed with caution to help keep your dog safe, regardless of the season. Make sure you are familiar with the risks. Learn what warning signs mean trouble. When in doubt, call your veterinarian right away.
